Photo Credit: Tamara Tihanyi
We recently had the chance to chat with “Raven’s Home” star Somali Rose about auditioning for the show, working on set, upcoming projects, and more!
1. How did you get your start in the entertainment industry?
My brother was in the entertainment industry first as a model and my mom would have to take me to some of his auditions because my Dad would be away with the Navy. Casting directors would ask my mom if I did modeling so I started. At ten months I booked my first job for Walmart. Ever since I was little, though I would watch television and say, “I wanna be on that show….”
2. What was the audition process like for “Raven’s Home?”
When my mom first told me about the audition for Raven’s Home, I knew I had to bring my A game because Raven has been in this business since she was four and she has had a long, exciting career. I knew who she was because I love to watch The Cosby Show where she played Olivia. I read the lines over and over until I got them and then I worked on my choreography until I had a really good mix of my stuff and moves I learned from being at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.
3. What was your reaction when you found out you booked the part?
When I found out I booked the part, I screamed with joy because I just wanted it so badly! But the competition was fierce and even included some of my closest friends. I did the dance that I made up and I was really proud of myself because I knew I killed it when I went in that room. The casting directors were asking me who taught me those moves and I told them, I learned most of it at Debbie Allen!
4. What character do you play?
I play a very mischievous little girl named Power who is the niece of Raven’s hairdresser. She is very sweet around adults but around big kids, she’s an annoying little terror… I would NEVER be like that around my brother’s friends…. Hahahahhahhahaaaa
5. What was a typical day like on-set?
The ‘Raven’s Home’ set is like being part of a very big family where people laugh, joke,play and all eat together, but we know that we have to work hard and get our job done so that the episode is great.
6. How was that set different from others that you’ve previously worked on?
Other sets have been great, but this is the first time I was on a set where I’ve felt like a part of a family and received support from actors who I’ve always admired.
7. Did any of the cast offer you any advice that you would like to share with us?
I received so much good advice from everyone…I think the most important advice I received was from Raven who made it clear that we were going to work hard, but most of all have fun! Issac Ryan Brown also helped me to understand the camera placement on a multicamera set, which was so different from what I’m used to.
8. Are you currently working on any projects that you’d like to share with us?
I’m working on something right now but I can’t share it just yet! I can tell you I’m writing a script for all of my eight cousins who are staying with me for the summer to act out….It’s called Back To School!
9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family. My family is from the Dominican Republic and there’s a LOT OF US… I have so many cousins and we are all in the same age range so we do everything together including dancing, singing, art, playing video games, swimming and cooking. We all love to eat so we are trying to learn how to cook new things. Right now, I’m learning how to make Arroz con Leche, which is my favorite. My Abuela makes it the best and my goal is to make mine taste just like hers. I also love to read.
10. Do you have any fun summer plans?
This summer has been so much fun. We traveled to the Dominican Republic where my father is from and stayed a week, then went to New York to pick up my cousins. We brought them back to LA and have just been enjoying a staycation. Here in LA we’ve just been doing everything local; taking my cousins to the Getty, the Griffith Park Observatory, Universal Studios, the Santa Monica Pier, the Skirball, the California Science Center, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s been so fun because my mom challenged us to do all of the FREE stuff in LA and we made a list of like 30 things and we are trying to do them ALL before they have to go back to New York!
11. What are your social media accounts?
My social media accounts are:
Facebook : Somali Rose
Instagram: goldensistar
YouTube: Somali Rose
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